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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mesa, AZ

What are the meds to try before plaquenil as it states this used after lower risk meds have failed

July 22
 · 
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A MyLupusTeam Member

I was put on Methotrexate but quickly taken off because the side effects were too great; now I take 200 mg of Plaquenil and so far so good—no noticeable side effects.

July 25
MyLupusTeam

That's a great question! However, it's worth clarifying that hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is actually considered one of the *first-line* treatments for lupus — not a last resort. It's typically one of the earlier medications prescribed, not something tried after other options fail.

Plaquenil is widely used because it helps Show Full Answer

That's a great question! However, it's worth clarifying that hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is actually considered one of the *first-line* treatments for lupus — not a last resort. It's typically one of the earlier medications prescribed, not something tried after other options fail.

Plaquenil is widely used because it helps with:

- Reducing lupus flares
- Managing joint pain and fatigue
- Protecting organs over time
- Lowering the risk of long-term complications

In fact, more than 233,000 MyLupusTeam members report using it as part of their lupus management.

It's possible the wording you saw was referring to a specific symptom or situation rather than lupus treatment overall. The best person to clarify this is your rheumatologist, who can explain exactly where Plaquenil fits into *your* treatment plan and what alternatives exist if it's not right for you.

July 22

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